(Washington, DC, February 6) -- As a reward for
spending less while doing more, for reforming operations,
streamlining and privatizing programs, and dramatically enhancing
performance, President Clinton's Administration today proposed
cutting NASA's budget for the sixth year, reducing spending from
$14 billion (current spending in 1998 dollars) to $13.5 billion.

"NASA just can't win," said David Brandt, Executive Director of
the National Space Society. "For doing their job, NASA's proposed
budget for 1998 is being slashed by another $500 million. NASA and
Administrator Dan Goldin are obligated to be 'pleased' with the
President's proposal, but we're not."

"Our focus is on Congress to convince them of the dangers of
proposing further cuts," Brandt said. "Members of the National
Space Society and other space advocates will be encouraging
Congress to appropriate the money to stabilize NASA funding at its
current spending level."

Last year, the 104th Congress proposed spending $13.1 billion
for NASA in FY 1998 -- a $900 million cutback from this year's
budget when adjusted for inflation (1998 dollars). "If the previous
Congress's budget prevails," Brandt said, "NASA will have no choice
but to amputate major science, engineering, and educational
programs. Right now, the bridge to the 21st century is leading this
country to fewer high paying jobs and less competitiveness for our
nation. More than ever, it's crucial for the U.S. to invest in
science and engineering. That means supporting NASA, which
generates advanced technologies for the future."

The National Space Society, headquartered in Washington, DC, is
a nonprofit educational organization advocating a spacefaring
civilization. Information at http://www.nss.org/.